What are Adventure Games?

Gaming makes all things possible, taking you on wild adventures you can only dream of. They bring to life fantasy worlds that provide the perfect escape from the real world. Moreover, they craft intriguing stories that immerse you in epic adventures across the universe. Today, we’ll be exploring adventure games, from the gameplay you can expect to the best adventure games available across major platforms.

What are Adventure Games?

Adventure games place you in the shoes of a protagonist. They take you on a fantasy story, often involving you in making tough choices to push the story forward. Sometimes, adventure games can have puzzles, too, that intertwine with the overarching plot. Alternatively, they can focus on exploration as you run into interesting characters in your playthrough and discover hidden secrets. Since adventure games can draw inspiration from multiple narrative-based media, including films and literature, they can span multiple genres in the gaming world. 

Gameplay

At the core of adventure games is a story-driven gameplay system. So, even though adventure games can span multiple gaming genres, they all focus on telling a captivating story. That said, some of the popular genres you can run into include visual novels, “walking simulators,” interactive cinematic adventures, and more. You can have modern thrillers that range from teen horror to sci-fi. Alternatively, you can explore twisted narratives that constantly surprise you with their dark twists and turns. Some adventure games are emotional roller coasters set on tugging at your heartstrings and never letting go. Meanwhile, others are more cozy, providing a relaxing narrative you can kick your feet up and explore.

Speaking of exploration, adventure games often require you to comb through their environments. You can explore every nook and cranny of fantasy worlds or real-life locations. In terms of delivery, some adventure games relay their stories in pure text adventures, while others immerse you with impeccable voice acting. Some use point-and-click controls to trudge the story forward, while others focus on anywhere from static images to full-motion graphic adventures. Because of the focus on storytelling, adventure games are often single-player campaigns. However, so you are engaged throughout your playthrough, you may find puzzle-solving interactive elements like picking locks or decoding messages. Moreover, some adventure games allow you to gather resources and collect special items.

What are the Best Adventure Games?

Across all major platforms, here are the best adventure games that are a must-play for every gamer.

5. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is an action-adventure game based on the Marvel Comics superhero, Spider-Man. Just like the comics and films, you can expect an engrossing story that pokes at the heart. You follow Peter Parker and Miles Morales, who face off against the supervillain Kraven the Hunter. Kraven is transforming the city into a villain-infested world, imbuing people with superpowers. Meanwhile, Peter Parker is battling with the Venom symbiote that has bonded itself to him. In an emotional rollercoster journey that disrupts interrelationships and challenges moral cues, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 comes out a worthy sequel definitely worth checking out. On the gameplay front, you’ll be thrust into several cogs, learning to master Peter Parker and Miles Morales’ unique abilities. Plus, shooting webs and swinging between skyscrapers feels so immersive that you’ll probably spend hours tinkering around with traversal and the gadgets at your disposal.

4. Unchartered

Unchartered is an action-adventure video game series that has drastically skyrocketed in fame since its launch. Just like the film, you follow a group of treasure hunters as they hop from place to place, exploring historical mysteries. You’ll maneuver several gameplay mechanics, infusing folklore, fantasy elements, and historical fiction. Moreover, you’ll interact with exciting characters with unique personalities. Plus, for an extra charm, you’ll meet historical real-world figures, too. As you control Nathan Drake, you’ll power through drastic events that shape the course of an invigorating tale. All the while, you’ll be switching between shooting enemies, exploring twisted jungles, solving challenging puzzles, and platforming an immersive world.

3. Stray

Or you could play the adventure game Stray. It’s a unique concept that follows an actual stray cat learning to come to grips with the world around her. The environment is unlike our world, packed with robots, machines, mutant bacteria, and all sorts of danger. It can be a scary place for a cat, but fortunately, you have a drone companion to help lead you to the surface. As you play, you’ll platform your way around the devastating city. You’ll need to evade obstacles, all while trying to solve puzzles. The world is pretty interactive. So, you may have to explore and discover new pathways. Just be sure to keep an eye out for Zurks and Sentinels out to kill you.

2. Red Dead Redemption II

Back-to-action adventures, Red Dead Redemption II can be a worthy contender for the next game on your playlist. It takes you to the Wild West to tag you along on a gripping story and thrilling combat. The year is 1988, and the outlaw Arthur Morgan is running for his life. Numerous threats abound in the world, from rival gangs to the government. You’ll, at certain points, engage in adrenaline-packed shootouts. Other times, you’ll be hunting to survive the harsh world. Further, you’ll make decisions that shape the moral fiber of the story and influence the final outcome.

1. God of War

Lastly, check out God of War if you haven’t already done so. This action-adventure envelops the Greek mythology world in a captivating story and thrilling combat. It’s a franchise that continues to elevate its snappy mechanics and cinematic storytelling. Monsters towering above you threaten to take your life. Meanwhile, you experience hurt and heartache through the events that unfold. In Kratos's journey as a Spartan warrior, becoming the God of War, several beasts and Olympian gods stand in his way. However, with skill and strategy, you will surely prevail.

So, what's your take? Do you agree with our best adventure games? Are there more adventure games we should know about? Let us know over on our socials here.